NFC South Rival Suffers Big Loss During Minicamp
By Jovan Alford
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The Carolina Panthers have dealt with their share of injuries this offseason as first-round pick Xavier Legette and second-year linebacker DJ Johnson are both banged up. However, the good news is that neither player’s injury is believed to be serious.
But the same thing cannot be said for the New Orleans Saints, who saw a key member of their offense go down with an injury during minicamp, which could sideline him for a long time.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that New Orleans tight end Juwan Johnson is scheduled for foot surgery next week. Schefter adds that the hope and belief for Johnson is he’ll be back for the start of the regular season.
Saints Lose TE Juwan Johnson to Foot Injury
Saints TE Juwan Johnson is scheduled to undergo foot surgery next week that will sideline him “a while”, per source. The hope and belief for now is that he will be back for the start of the season. pic.twitter.com/i5NajzK24s
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 13, 2024
With Johnson likely to miss all of training camp and preseason this summer, the Saints will lean on Foster Moreau, Taysom Hill, and undrafted free agent Dallin Holker at the tight end spot. It’s not an impressive group, which could be great news for the Panthers, who open the season in New Orleans.
Last season, Johnson had 37 receptions (59 targets) for 368 yards and four touchdowns. When Johnson faced the Panthers in 2023, he was held to four receptions (six targets) for 23 yards. It will be interesting to see what the Saints do this summer at the tight-end spot. Do they go sign a free-agent or stick with the guys already on the roster?
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